Colorado just banned “Junk Fees” in apartments and here’s what that means.

Starting in 2026, Colorado landlords will no longer be allowed to tack on hidden fees for services like trash collection or pest control — services that should’ve been included in your rent to begin with.

Governor Jared Polis just signed a new law banning deceptive pricing practices in housing, joining a growing number of states pushing back on so-called “junk fees.” These are the sneaky, often undisclosed charges that renters don’t discover until they’ve signed a lease, and they’ve become a growing source of frustration for tenants across the country.

Under the new law, landlords must advertise the real cost of renting. No more luring tenants in with a low base rent only to stack on mandatory fees later.

This follows mounting pressure after lawsuits like the one filed earlier this year against Greystar, one of the largest apartment operators in the U.S., accused of charging “valet trash” and other surprise fees.

Housing advocates say the changes are about transparency and basic fairness. Senator Lisa Cutter put it bluntly, “These junk fees can make budgeting decisions feel impossible.”

The law also bars landlords from charging for services already required by law, like pest control or common-area cleaning. Similar efforts are underway nationwide, with bipartisan support and new laws in states like Minnesota, California, Virginia, and Washington.

For renters in Denver, where the average rent hovers around $1,850/month, every dollar counts.

This law might not bring rents down, but it could help stop the nickel-and-diming that’s become all too common.